In a major crackdown on illegal constructions and encroachments, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has sealed the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Central Secretariat.

The operation, conducted in collaboration with the district administration, involved anti-encroachment teams equipped with heavy machinery deployed at the site, located in Sector G-84.

Heavy contingent of police force was also present outside the PTI Central Secretariat as the CDA initiated the action against unauthorised structures established by the political party.

According to a CDA spokesperson, the plot in question was allotted to an individual named Sartaj Ali. However, violations of building by-laws, including the construction of an additional floor, were noted. The political party had also reportedly encroached on the adjacent land.

“The CDA had issued several warnings and notices to the plot owner over the past few years,” he said and added notices were sent on November 19, 2020, February 22, 2021, and June 14, 2022, followed by a show-cause notice on September 4, 2023. “Despite these warnings, compliance was not achieved, prompting the CDA to issue a sealing order on May 10, 2024.”

The spokesperson emphasized that the ongoing operation aims to enforce building regulations and remove encroachments. “This drive to eliminate illegal constructions and encroachments will continue without discrimination,” the spokesperson stated.

Clash and Arrest

The operation, aimed at tackling illegal constructions and encroachments, led to a confrontation between PTI workers and police forces. During the clash, PTI Islamabad president Aamir Mughal was arrested.

PTI chairman Barrister Gohar

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar condemned the sealing of the PTI Central Secretariat by the Capital Development Authority (CDA). He asserted that the party had requested the CDA to specify the encroachments so they could address them independently. Gohar labeled the operation as unconstitutional and illegal, vowing to challenge the move in court.

"No official notice was received," Gohar emphasized. "We urge the judiciary to intervene and take notice of this matter."

Gohar also highlighted incidents of harassment faced by PTI members, mentioning that homes were raided and individuals, including Rauf Hasan, were attacked. He criticized the timing of the operation, stating, "There is no justification for conducting an anti-encroachment operation under the cover of night. We are being targeted."

He further remarked on the symbolic attacks on the party, noting, "You can demolish buildings, but you cannot take away the people's support. Despite having our election symbols seized, we still received votes. After the elections, our goal was to move forward."

Opposition Leader Umar Ayub

Leader of Opposition in National Assembly Umar Ayub expressed strong condemnation of the recent operation on the PTI Central Secretariat, during which PTI MNA Aamir Mughal was arrested by the police.

Speaking to the media, Ayub criticized the Capital Development Authority (CDA) for taking action without prior notice. "This issue could have been resolved amicably," he stated.

Ayub emphasized that his privileges as an opposition leader have been violated. "Chairman CDA and IG Islamabad will be called before the committee. We will fight this through the courts," he asserted.

He also accused Shahbaz Sharif and Mohsin Naqvi of fascist behavior, warning that they will face consequences for their actions. "We will file a case against the CDA and Islamabad Police in the morning. The IG Islamabad will be summoned to the committee. This operation on the PTI Secretariat is a national issue and will be raised in the assembly," Ayub declared.